Budget Process Overview

Budget Process Overview

The Office of Budget and Planning (OBP) is responsible for all aspects of the University’s external and internal budget processes. These two budget processes overlap. The goal of the external process is the acquisition of a state appropriation to support the next year’s operations. The final product of the internal budget process is detailed operating budgets for each department.

External Budget Process

The OBP prepares the Operating Budget submission to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) according to the guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees (BOT). The OBP routinely responds to information requests made by the IBHE, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB), and the House and Senate appropriation staffs. Historical reports are submitted to the IBHE annually.

Internal Budget Process

The internal operating budget process involves planning, development, implementation, management and reporting. The internal budget is approved by the BOT. Throughout the year, the OBP provides assistance to campus with regard to budget development, budget transfers, budget reviews and other budgetary needs.

The OBP works with Human Resource Services during the increment process overseeing access to the online budget increment reports and to make adjustments to General Revenue base budgets for increments awarded. The OBP works with the Finance and Facilities Operations budget staff coordinating the Bond Revenue budget process; however, budgets for individual grants are managed by the Grants Fiscal Administration Office. All check requests and purchase requisitions made with Fund 04 dollars are approved by the OBP.